With a name that speaks to mystery and depth, Hard To Tell have been steadily carving out their space in the electronic music world since 2018. Known for their emotionally charged soundscapes and seamless fusion of genres, the duo has already earned releases on some of the most respected labels, including Innervisions and TAU. Now, they are taking a bold step forward with the release of their debut album, ‘Hidden Traffic,’ a record that not only marks a milestone in their career but also showcases their ever-evolving artistry.

Out on their freshly launched imprint, Vitrage Records, ‘Hidden Traffic’ is an album built on contrasts. Cinematic atmospheres meet raw Detroit energy, nostalgic Italo textures intertwine with breakbeat chaos, and all of it is tied together by Hard To Tell’s unmistakable sonic signature. Across its eight tracks, the album feels like a journey; intimate, expansive, and impossible to pin down to a single genre. We caught up with the duo to discuss the inspirations behind the album, their creative process, and what they hope listeners will feel when they press play.

WWD: Hi guys, thanks for taking the time to chat with us over here at When We Dip. First up, congratulations on the release of your debut album! ‘Hidden Traffic’ is such a vivid and evocative title. What does it represent for you, and how does it encapsulate the themes or energy of the album?

Hey everyone! Thanks so much for having us and for the kind words 🙂 We chose the name ‘Hidden Traffic’ because we feel this album is very different from what we usually create. For us, the title represents the idea that not everything needs to be obvious or fit into one clear category. The sound and the music don’t need to be confined to a single genre.

WWD: The opening track, ‘Last Night Jam,’ feels very atmospheric and cinematic. Why did you choose this track to open the album, and what mood were you hoping to set?

We made these tracks a few years ago during a time when we were going through some difficult and emotional moments, and the mood of our lives was reflected in the music. We believe the best way to open an album is with a long, immersive intro that sets the tone and tells the story of what’s to come.

WWD: You’ve mentioned wanting to showcase the “different colours” of your sound with this project. How did you approach genre-blending across the album without losing cohesion?

On every track, we tried to keep our unique sound signature so there’s a sense of connection throughout the album. At the same time, we explored different genres for each track. That’s exactly what we wanted to show — a wide spectrum of colours and emotions within our music, without losing who we are.

WWD: ‘Can’t Stop’ has a strong Detroit house influence. What role did Detroit (or any other particular scene or sound) play in shaping this record?

Detroit house and techno have always been among our favourite genres, and we took a lot of inspiration from that sound; not just for this album, but in our productions overall.

WWD: The album features a real range of styles, from the breakbeat chaos of ‘Will Stay’ to the nostalgic, Italo-tinged vibes of ‘Solid Love.’ Was there a conscious narrative or emotional arc you wanted listeners to experience?

Yes, we wanted listeners to feel like they’re experiencing a long journey. A story from beginning to end. The album has everything: emotion, energy, soul, depth, and so much more. We wanted it to feel like a true musical adventure.

WWD: Since forming in 2018, you’ve released with major labels like Innervisions and TAU. What did releasing ‘Hidden Traffic’ on Vitrage Records allow you to do differently?

Vitrage Records is our own new label, which we launched just a few weeks ago. We felt the best way to start this new chapter was to release our debut album there 🙂

WWD: Let’s talk about your production process: was this album mostly analog, digital, or a hybrid of both? Any favourite gear or plugins that defined the sound?

We used a hybrid of both analog and digital. One of our favourite sounds came from the MOOG One synth. You can hear it in almost every track on the album.

WWD: How did the two of you collaborate throughout the writing of the album? Were there creative tensions, or did each of you bring something distinct to the table?

In the studio, we always work together. Each of us brings our own ideas to the table, and then we decide together whether something works or not. Sometimes an idea doesn’t click, and that’s okay. We respect each other’s opinions. After almost ten years of working together as Hard To Tell, we’ve learned to leave our egos behind. Making this album was truly fun for both of us!

WWD: What track on the album surprised you the most during the process — creatively, emotionally, or technically?

We think ‘Tension’ is one of the best tracks we’ve ever made, so it definitely surprised us in a good way. ‘Will Stay’ and ‘Solid Love’ are also among our favourites. It’s honestly really hard to choose just one 🙂

WWD: Finally, what do you hope listeners feel or take away after listening to ‘Hidden Traffic’ from start to finish?

We hope they feel like they’ve been taken on a long journey; a story full of emotions and sounds that leaves a lasting impression!

WWD: We’re sure they will! Thanks for the chat 🙂

The ‘Hidden Traffic’ album is available here